The residence of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu at Ibex Hill, Lusaka had significant police presence on Wednesday.
The Zambia Police released a statement to the media, stating that they are investigating the theft of a certificate of title for a property in Lusaka’s Libala South and three motor vehicles allegedly stolen by Esther Lungu, the former First Lady of Zambia.
According to the police statement, Elizabeth Chanje Phiri and her daughter, Furhana Patel, reported to the police that Esther Lungu seized their three motor vehicles, which included a Toyota Runx, a Toyota Allex, and a Mitsubishi Canter, along with a certificate of title for stand number S/Lusaka/ SLN 0003/2977 in Libala south water works area. The incident reportedly occurred between 8th and 9th August 2022.
After conducting an investigation, the police found one of the vehicles, the Toyota Runx with registration number BAV 3986, at Esther Lungu’s residence in Ibex Hills. As a result, the police summoned her to appear before them on the same day.
However, the Patriotic Front (PF), the political party of the former President, expressed their dissatisfaction with the police presence at the former President’s house. PF lawyer Makebi Zulu claimed that the police presence was a breach of law as it compromises the former President’s immunity. Zulu argued that the search was allegedly intended for Esther Lungu and not Edgar Lungu. He further stated that Esther Lungu should have appeared before investigative wings instead of the police ambushing her house.
Hon Brian Mundubile, the leader of the opposition in Parliament and a member of the PF, led a group of PF Members of Parliament to former President Edgar Lungu’s house in Ibex Hill, Lusaka. He emphasised that the PF, both in parliament and outside, would not permit anyone to intimidate former President Lungu and his family.
Although the police have not released any information on the ongoing investigation, the large number of officers present at the former President’s house and the PF’s response have raised concerns about potential political tensions in Zambia.